Adolescent sexual and reproductive health

November 2014

Author: UNFPA

For millions of young people around the world, the onset of adolescence brings not only changes to their bodies but also new vulnerabilities to human rights abuses, particularly in the arenas of sexuality, marriage and childbearing.

Millions of girls are coerced into unwanted sex or marriage, putting them at risk of unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, and dangerous childbirth. Adolescent boys are at risk, as well. Young people – both boys and girls – are disproportionately affected by HIV.

Yet too many young people face barriers to reproductive health information and care. Even those able to find accurate information about their health and rights may be unable to access the services needed to protect their health.

Supporting adolescents’ health and rights

Adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health must be supported. This means providing access to comprehensive sexuality education; services to prevent, diagnose and treat STIs; and counselling on family planning. It also means empowering young people to know and exercise their rights – including the right to delay marriage and the right to refuse unwanted sexual advances.

UNFPA partners with other UN agencies and with governments, civil society, young people and youth-serving organizations to actively promote and protect the sexual and reproductive health and human rights of adolescents.

Youth-friendly services

Working with ministries, NGOs and other partners, UNFPA also advocates for and supports the efficient delivery of a holistic, youth-friendly health-care package of services. These include:

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